India is currently experiencing a surge in Covid-19 cases, as well as influenza infections caused by a new sub-variant H3N2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the situation and public health preparedness. He advised continuing to focus on a 5-fold strategy of testing, tracking, treating, vaccinating, and following Covid-appropriate behavior. He also stressed the need to enhance lab surveillance and genome sequencing of positive samples to track any new variants.
The latest data from the Union health ministry shows that India recorded a single-day rise of 1,134 Covid cases - the highest so far this year. The number of active cases has increased to 7,026, and the death toll climbed to 5,30,813 with five fresh deaths. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.09%, while the weekly positivity rate stood at 0.98%.
Meanwhile, cases of H3N2 are increasing as the virus quickly spreads across the country. H3N2 is a subtype of influenza A virus that causes respiratory illness in humans and animals. It is different from Covid-19 but can cause similar symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a release that PM Modi directed officials to enhance whole-genome sequencing of positive samples with the designated INSACOG genome sequencing laboratories. "This will support tracking of newer variants, if any, and timely response," the PMO said.
PM Modi also emphasized Covid-appropriate behavior, including wearing masks in hospital premises by both patients, health professionals, and health workers. He also said that wearing masks is advisable when senior citizens and those with co-morbidities visit crowded areas.
He further directed that effective monitoring of IRI/SARI cases (Influenza-like Illness/Severe Acute Respiratory Illness) and testing for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Adenovirus be followed up with all states.
He also highlighted that the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over, and there is a need to monitor the status across the country on a regular basis.
He stressed the need to ensure the availability of required drugs and logistics for influenza and Covid-19 across health facilities, along with sufficient beds and human resources.
He also said that mock drills should be conducted regularly to ensure that "our hospitals are ready for all exigencies."
On March 19, the health ministry issued revised guidelines for Covid-19 in view of the surge in cases. The guidelines advised against using antibiotics unless there is clinical suspicion of bacterial infection. They also recommended Remdesivir for up to 5 days for moderate or severe diseases at high risk of progression.
The guidelines also highlighted the need to maintain physical distancing and use masks. They urged people to seek immediate medical attention if they have difficulty breathing, high-grade fever, severe cough lasting for more than 5 days, or any other high-risk features.
On March 16, the Union health ministry wrote to six states - Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka - to follow a five-fold strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination-and-Covid-appropriate-behavior as these states witnessed a rise in Covid-19 cases.
"There are a few states that are reporting a higher number of cases, indicating possible localized spread of infection, and there is a need to follow a risk assessment-based approach to prevent and contain the infection without losing the gains made far in the fight against the pandemic," Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in the letter.